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Re: 2013 J.R. Murphy Performance Thread

Didn't feel like creating a new thread for a backup catcher, but I'm a little surprised they went with Murphy over Romine.

Murphy clearly isn't ready. From last summer through the present, including spring training, Murphy has had some of the least competitive at-bats I have ever seen from a professional ballplayer. His 2013 "breakthrough" in 2013 was only about a .770 OPS in AA and AAA as a 22 year old. I get that he is a good defensive guy, but I don't think it helps the team to have him ride the bench 5 days straight and then get so completely overmatched during his weekly start that McCann has to PH for him by the 6th or 7th inning.

Romine at least had a two month stretch last summer where he was actually one of our better hitters. He may never be a starter so having him as the primary backup won't hurt his development.

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Re: 2013 J.R. Murphy Performance Thread

Originally Posted by Mark19

Didn't feel like creating a new thread for a backup catcher, but I'm a little surprised they went with Murphy over Romine.

Murphy clearly isn't ready. From last summer through the present, including spring training, Murphy has had some of the least competitive at-bats I have ever seen from a professional ballplayer. His 2013 "breakthrough" in 2013 was only about a .770 OPS in AA and AAA as a 22 year old. I get that he is a good defensive guy, but I don't think it helps the team to have him ride the bench 5 days straight and then get so completely overmatched during his weekly start that McCann has to PH for him by the 6th or 7th inning.

Romine at least had a two month stretch last summer where he was actually one of our better hitters. He may never be a starter so having him as the primary backup won't hurt his development.

You may be right, but I'd give it a little time. The good news is that Murphy will see pretty much all of his ABs come against LHP. In AAA last year he crushed LHP (1.075 OPS in 70 PA). Although Romine also has great splits against LHP (better than Murphy over the course of their minor league careers).

I could really go either way on this. Romine is probably the safer play, but Murphy is certainly the higher upside play.

Re: 2013 J.R. Murphy Performance Thread

Originally Posted by Mark19

Didn't feel like creating a new thread for a backup catcher, but I'm a little surprised they went with Murphy over Romine.

Murphy clearly isn't ready. From last summer through the present, including spring training, Murphy has had some of the least competitive at-bats I have ever seen from a professional ballplayer. His 2013 "breakthrough" in 2013 was only about a .770 OPS in AA and AAA as a 22 year old. I get that he is a good defensive guy, but I don't think it helps the team to have him ride the bench 5 days straight and then get so completely overmatched during his weekly start that McCann has to PH for him by the 6th or 7th inning.

Romine at least had a two month stretch last summer where he was actually one of our better hitters. He may never be a starter so having him as the primary backup won't hurt his development.

Murphy has experience at 3B. It may be one of the reasons why the Yankees pick him over Romine.

Re: 2013 J.R. Murphy Performance Thread

Originally Posted by Mark19

Didn't feel like creating a new thread for a backup catcher, but I'm a little surprised they went with Murphy over Romine.

Murphy clearly isn't ready. From last summer through the present, including spring training, Murphy has had some of the least competitive at-bats I have ever seen from a professional ballplayer. His 2013 "breakthrough" in 2013 was only about a .770 OPS in AA and AAA as a 22 year old. I get that he is a good defensive guy, but I don't think it helps the team to have him ride the bench 5 days straight and then get so completely overmatched during his weekly start that McCann has to PH for him by the 6th or 7th inning.

Romine at least had a two month stretch last summer where he was actually one of our better hitters. He may never be a starter so having him as the primary backup won't hurt his development.

A .770 OPS is above average for a starting catcher, let alone a backup. He had a fanastic minor league season last year. You can't expect all catchers to hit like IRod or Piazza. Romaine lost precious developement time due to Cervelli's injury/suspenson and needs to play everyday in AAA.